The next generation of console operators could benefit from some changes to our existing training practices. This study identifies a few opportunities to improve our current training methods.
The goal of this effort is to understand the changing training requirements COP organizations face in light of the evolving operational environment.This report documents the first steps taken in determining the feasibility and value of modifying existing training with technology and other curriculum enhancements. Researchers conducted a series of front-end analysis tasks including a review of existing curricula, stakeholder interviews, and site visits which included operator interviews, task analyses, and site observations and tours. Researchers included Dr. Jennifer Murphy, an expert in training technology and Mr. Frank Hannigan, an expert in human factors engineering, both from Quantum Improvements Consulting. Additionally, Dr. Bud Benscoter, of GMB Performance Group is an expert in Instructional Design and participated as well. Site visits occurred at one small COP member facility and one large COP member facility. While there were some consistencies in the training challenges revealed, the method by which these improvements might be realized has been largely generalized to maintain member anonymity. A one-sized fits all solution is not adequate for organizations with vastly different organizational considerations.
The results of this project indicate that operator training can be optimized in two key areas: instructional design and training technology. Specific recommendations for both can be implemented across member sites of varying sizes and are discussed in the report in terms of specific organizational issues.
One of the possible future projects would be to pilot one or two of the recommended improvements to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of these solutions prior to fully implementing any of them.
Ensuring that operators have the basic skill and knowledge to perform their job is a fundamental aspect of safe plant operation. The changing demographics in the workforce pool and increasing requirements for plant operators call into question whether current training programs are the best possible to maintain safe and efficient plant operation. A group of COP members will be working with a research group to determine the training strategies, medium, and curriculum to be considered for the next generation of operators.
What are the training strategies, medium, and curriculum to be considered for the next generation of competent operators?
The process industries face two major challenges in preparing the workforce for the future. First, the pool of potential operators is significantly different than it was 25 years ago. The applicants are (1) more technologically savvy having come of age in the information age, (2) less mechanically inclined as a result of fewer opportunities to learn while growing up (e.g., cars with computer diagnostics, decline of family farms), and (3) the product of learning systems and methods that utilize the advances in computers and multi-media. Second, the requirements for safe and successful process operation have increased over the past few decades. Safety and environmental compliance have rightly taken prominence in plant operation. New skill sets and attitudes are needed to merge the increased regulatory emphasis with operation of plant hardware.
Tackling the two challenges may benefit from new approaches to operator training. A recent COP project just benchmarked current training practices in use at numerous facilities. That information was used while developing the scope of work for this project.
The research team will deliver a final report presenting the research plan for the development, implementation and evaluation of four use cases.